VILLANOVA, Pa. — Freshman Zach Miller had four goals, and tournament most outstanding player Wesley Berg had a hat trick as the University of Denver men's lacrosse team got its offense going in the second half and defeated host Villanova 14-7 Saturday to win the Big East championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Miller scored the Pioneers' first three goals coming out of a 6-6 halftime tie, and Tyler Pace and Jack Bobzien found the net at the end of the third period as DU shut out the Wildcats 5-0 in the stanza for a 11-6 advantage heading into the final period.

"Villanova really played us tough in the first half, taking us out of our game a little," Pioneers coach Bill Tierney said. "I think our defense really stepped up in the second half, Chris Hampton had another outstanding game, and our offense found its rhythm in the second half."

Hampton tied his career-high by winning 16-of-24 faceoffs and set a new career mark by grabbing 10 ground balls.

Jamie Faus was the goalie of record, playing the second half and allowing one goal while stopping five shots.

Faus, Hampton, Miller, Bobzien and Berg were named to the all-tournament team. Pace and Bobzien each scored a pair of the goal in the title game. Bobzien also picked up four ground balls.

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